Patience is one thing I am learning! :)

Wow, what a long couple of weeks it has been! I have def. been on an emotional roller coaster, but yet, I am still hanging in there! I refuse to give up and once I get through this training which by the way is coming up really quickly, I will feel a lot better. I will have my own house, worry about what I want to worry about and live life to the fullest! I will be an official volunteer Sept. 17th!! Oh, it is bittersweet….I will miss a lot of my friends because they are going to be posted kind of far away, but hey that will call for a taxi trip up to see them that is all! We are in our last week of model school! I am about ready to be done for sure!! The kids are great, just is super tough to teach, learn French for a million hours a day, then lesson plan for the next day….AND….come home to my host family. This cultural exchange thing is difficult here sometimes because you never know you are offending someone or doing something that is making another Beninese person mad. I have def. learned a lot and will continue to learn more about the Beninese people so I can get through day to day life a little easier. The teachers traveled to Grand Popo--the BEST day in Benin thus far!! I got to run around in the sand, take jumping pictures with friends, and enjoy the crashing waves and breeze that surrounded the beach! We were not allowed to swim in the water because of the strong under toe but hey Kayla is not swimming in the ocean! No, no, and no! There are big sharks out there waiting for me I know it!! Hahaha!!! Next weekend, we are going to travel to Oidah, a slave port from many years ago. Oh FYI the beach and Oidah are really close to my post!!! I have a place to relax every once in awhile! The beach is my relaxation, just wish I could have the family with me to enjoy the beauty! Miss and love you all!!! P.S. I love the letters and packages I am getting!! They are really helping me survive!!! And of course, they make me smile!!! It’s love from America!!!